Bruce Springsteen says losing Clarence Clemons was "like losing the rain"

(CBS/AP) When saxophonist Clarance Clemons died last June, Bruce Springsteen not only lost an original E Street Band member, but he also lost a longtime friend. The Boss recently told Rolling Stone magazine that losing Clemons was "like losing the rain."

Springsteen said he shed tears when he heard Clemons' saxophone part on "Wrecking Ball."

The Boss intended to have Clemons on the new album, but says The Big Man passed on a recording session to check out his health and soon after had a stroke.

Springsteen went to Clemons' bedside. Clemons squeezed his hand when Springsteen spoke, but Clemons never regained consciousness.

After Clemons died, producer Ron Aniello took a live rendition of the concert staple "Land of Hopes and Dreams," separated Clemons' part and put it into the studio version now on the album.

Springsteen said, "When the solo section hit, Clarence's sax filled the room. I cried."

"Land of Hope and Dreams" appears on Springsteen's new album, "Wrecking Ball," which debuted at No. 1 this week on the Billboard 200 chart.

Springsteen, 62, will give the keynote speech at the South by Southwest conference in Austin, Texas, on Thursday. He's also expected to perform at the annual event.

After the Austin visit, Springsteen & the E Street Band will kick off a tour March 18. Eddie Manion and Clemons' nephew, Jake Clemons, have been tapped to play sax on tour.

Jon Stewart interviewed Springsteen for the new issue of Rolling Stone magazine, out this week.